The crew member fell overboard off the coast in County Down

The RNLI launched an all-weather rescue boat and the Irish Coastguard a helicopter, after receiving a call in the early hours of Tuesday alerting them of a man having fallen into the rough seas near the County Down coast.

The man, yet to be named, fell into the rough sea after the fishing boat he was working with four other crew members was hit by a huge wave 25 miles south east of Newcastle.

The Irish Coastguard helicopter airlifted the sailor and took him to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry where he was treated for had and chest injuries.

He is said to be in a stable condition.